Ad-Free ‘YouTube Red’ Service Announced, Plus Original Content Titles

By Nick Romano

2 years ago

What’s the biggest complaint among YouTubers? The amount of ads interrupting your descent down the rabbit hole of viral videos, right? This becomes especially cumbersome when you try to watch bootleg TV shows in multiple parts on the platform. Well, Google has a plan to do away with these pesky ads, while offering users some added bonuses — for a price, of course.

Today marks the announcement of YouTube Red, a new service that, first and foremost, allows you to watch all your favorite videos — like the Key & Peele “Gremlins 2 Brainstorm” sketch or the latest bits from SNL — without those pesky ads. Starting on October 28th, folks can sign up for this service, which also grants the option of saving videos to a phone or tablet to watch offline at a later time, and playing videos in the background while you use other apps.

Image via Rooster Teeth

You get this for the price of $9.99 a month, which you might notice is the same amount as a standard Netflix subscription. It’s clear YouTube is trying to become more marketable in the age of streaming subscription services. Though, by early next year YouTube Red will be much more like Netflix in that it will offer membership-only access to original shows and movies. We already knew about these offerings, but with the announcement of YouTube Red comes some of the titles. Check them out below (via the official YouTube blog).

Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of The Walking Dead at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter as PewDiePie encounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.

Sing It!: From Fine Brothers Entertainment and Mandeville Films comes SING IT!, a scripted comedy that lovingly satirizes the reality singing competitions that have become a centerpiece of pop culture.

Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy from Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.

A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh as she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.

Untitled Joey Graceffa project: In this all-new reality adventure series, Joey Graceffa brings together an ensemble of top YouTubers for a murder mystery they’ll never forget. They’ll form alliances to survive, but little do they know that most won’t make it out alive.

360 Project from MatPat of Game Theory: YouTube educator and pop culture expert MatPat from The Game Theorists invites the audience to come along for the ride in an innovative new series and 360 VR experience. In each episode Matt explores the real-life science behind popular video games by throwing gamers into the high-stakes scenarios they play through every day, from water jetpacks to haunted pizzerias.

Single by 30: In this romantic drama series from Wong Fu Productions and New Form Digital, two high school best friends make a promise to get married if they’re still single at 30. A decade later, with 30 quickly approaching, their attempt at upholding their vow unfolds in unexpected ways. Starring Harry Shum, Jr. and Kina Grannis.

Untitled CollegeHumor project: Written by and starring the cast of CollegeHumor, along with special guests, this new anthology series will take a dark and comedic look at the absurdity of Internet culture.

Fight of the Living Dead: In an unprecedented social experiment reality show from Alpine Labs, Fight of the Living Dead takes popular YouTube talent and traps them in a frighteningly realistic zombie apocalypse. They must use their instincts and gaming skills to survive as they battle the elements for the ultimate prize of survival.

I Am Tobuscus: From the mind of Toby Turner, this scripted comedy explores the world of a self-involved YouTube creator pursuing bigger stardom. The show features original music, and satirizes the hilarious details of being an eccentric, new-age celebrity.

YouTube Red was announced alongside a new music service YouTube Music, and free month-long free trials will begin October 28th. Watch the YouTube Red ad below.